a little tenuous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little tenuous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, argument, or connection that is weak or not well-supported. Example: "Her explanation for the sudden change in plans was a little tenuous, leaving us all confused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Whistles has a black apron dress in store now, though its link to an actual apron is a little tenuous.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

New York had competition for the nation's sympathies -- and those sympathies, of course, have always been a little tenuous.

The New York Times - Magazine

So the finding that Americans aren't getting more contentious about policy questions is interesting, but the connection to political polarisation is a little tenuous.

The Economist

The Leicester comparison might be a little tenuous – Rotherham looked in trouble, but were not 5,000-1 to stay up – but there are other similarities.

The Guardian - Sport

I thought that if the colossus was relying on such precarious support, then his own position might be a little tenuous.

The New Yorker

"My relationship with my parents is a little tenuous," explains Rodriguez, the son of Cuban immigrants who were no doubt expecting their offspring to fulfill their American dream by becoming a doctor or lawyer.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Often there's an obvious link to the game in question, but occasionally the link is a little more tenuous.

Independent

But other than Heaton and his fellow Housemartin Norman Cook, AKA Fatboy Slim, Hull's musical connections are a little more tenuous.

The Guardian

That convention is a little more tenuous in the US but still fairly solid: blocking the budget for political gain has only really been attempted by Newt Gingrich in the 1990s and by tea party republicans now.

The Guardian - Opinion

An aggrieved Zola feels that the allegation is tenuous and a little rich, in light of the flak that he has taken from Sullivan, and he has enlisted the League Managers Association to fight his case for compensation.

The Guardian - Sport

But that seemed a bit tenuous to me -- a little far removed from the games themselves to really create a connection for the average consumer.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Choose "a little tenuous" to subtly indicate uncertainty or instability, implying a gentle critique rather than a harsh dismissal.

Common error

Avoid using "a little tenuous" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise and direct language is expected. Phrases like "weakly supported" or "lacks sufficient evidence" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

Adjectival Modifier: "A little tenuous" primarily functions as an adjectival modifier, qualifying nouns or ideas by suggesting a lack of strength or certainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically correct and usable. Examples show it describing connections, relationships, or positions as not firmly established.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

20%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a little tenuous" is a useful and grammatically correct expression for conveying a mild degree of doubt or uncertainty. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for describing connections, arguments, or situations that are not strongly supported. While it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, it's generally applicable across neutral registers. When more precision is required in formal contexts, alternatives like "weakly supported" or "lacks sufficient evidence" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat flimsy

Implies a lack of substance or strength, emphasizing the potential for collapse or failure.

rather fragile

Highlights the delicacy and vulnerability of something, emphasizing its susceptibility to damage or disruption.

a bit shaky

Suggests instability or a lack of firmness, implying a risk of failure or collapse.

slightly questionable

Focuses on the element of doubt or uncertainty surrounding the validity or reliability of something.

slightly dubious

Focuses on the element of suspicion or skepticism surrounding something, implying a reason to question its authenticity or validity.

somewhat insecure

Emphasizes a lack of confidence or stability, suggesting vulnerability to external threats or pressures.

a shade uncertain

Suggests a small degree of doubt or ambiguity, implying a lack of clarity or definiteness.

a trifle weak

Indicates a minor deficiency in strength or effectiveness, implying a limited capacity to withstand pressure.

marginally supported

Highlights the limited evidence or justification backing something, implying a lack of solid foundation.

barely established

Implies a minimal level of acceptance or recognition, emphasizing the potential for rejection or disregard.

FAQs

How can I use "a little tenuous" in a sentence?

You can use "a little tenuous" to describe a connection, argument, or plan that is not very strong or convincing. For example: "The connection between the two events seems "a little tenuous"."

What's the difference between "a little tenuous" and "weak"?

"A little tenuous" suggests a slight uncertainty or fragility, while "weak" implies a more significant deficiency in strength or support. "A little tenuous" is often a more diplomatic way of expressing doubt.

What are some alternatives to using "a little tenuous"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "somewhat flimsy", "slightly questionable", or "a bit shaky" to express a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "a little tenuous" in formal writing?

While "a little tenuous" is generally acceptable, it might be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and direct language to convey your concerns.